Adoption Procedure

There are two types of adoption procedures, namely de facto adoption through the NRD and adoption through a court order. For the states of Sabah and Sarawak, the adoption process is through a court order only.

Appointment Procedure

1. De Facto Appointment via JPN:

• Adoptive parents can apply at the National Registration Department (NRD) where the family resides
• Once approved, the adoption will be registered and an adoption certificate will be issued

2. Appointment through the court:

Peninsular Malaysia:

• Applicants must apply through a Law Firm appointed by the adoptive parents or the Legal Aid Department. 
• Applications must be sent to the JPNM Headquarters, Putrajaya. 
• The Adoption Order will be made at the High Court or Sessions Court or Court of Appeal.

Sabah:

In Sabah, there are three categories of adoption applications, namely:

Native Court for Sabah natives only

High Court for non-citizens and non-natives

Syariah High Court for Muslims

Applicants must attend any JPN branch in Sabah to register the adoption.

Sarawak:

Adoption applications in the state of Sarawak are made based on the Adoption Ordinance 1958 (Sarawak CAP.91) and the Adoption Ordinance (Amendment) 2002 (Chapter A100) . They are fully governed by the State government through the District Office.

Applicants must submit an official letter of appointment from a law firm for application at any NRD branch in Sarawak.